Midwest Living Review

Cynthia Earhart

This microbrewery and pub takes full advantage of its location on the Cass River and serves a diverse menu of food and beer.

Brewing beer since 1862, the Frankenmuth Brewing Company is now housed in a large new brick building with floor-to-ceiling windows that take full advantage of the view of the scenic Cass River. With wood floors and brick walls, the decor is typical brew pub, but the huge outdoor patio and views overlooking the river make it special. River beer cruises are available during the warmer months. The beer is brewed on the premises, and the selection runs the gamut from a light pilsner to a dark dunkel. We sampled the Red Sky (a malty red ale) and the seasonal Harvest Beer, finding both to be full-bodied and full of taste. The diverse food offerings range from pretty decent (the bratwurst topped with sauerkraut) to uninteresting (the tuna salad melt). Service is competent, although we were surprised when our server didn't know much about the beer styles or tastes. Prices are reasonable, with a pint of beer priced at $4.50 and sandwiches in the $6-9 range. They do a brisk take-out pizza business and offer free delivery to most of the Frankenmuth hotels.